Q: How has your upbringing or culture inspired your art?

A lot of my art comes from nostalgic experiences I had as a child like the times when I played retro games and watched animated shows and movies. I would say that Japanese animation in particular had a large inspiration to some of the art I create today.

Q: How can your art influence people for the better in today’s society?

My art, specifically sculptural art, has a better chance of influencing people for the better in today’s society. What I mean is A.I. is going to happen inevitably. So, as a digital artist I’m not sure if I can make an impact. But my sculptural work is something that cannot be replicated as of yet. I think my physical or tangible art is more capable of influencing people for the better, whether it is for environmental purposes or pure aesthetic reasons. When others look at my paintings or sculptures, they are typically fascinated and amazed at the process of it being created, and how I am capable of making things come to life. So maybe bringing color to a grey world can influence people for the better.

Q: What kind of medium do you use for your art and how does it reach people today?

I like to use various mediums in art whether it’s digital, paint, natural or found materials or a combination of them. Depending on the medium, it reaches people in different ways. Some of my digital work tends to reach the pop culture of young people today, even though it actually comes from my own personal aesthetic and experiences growing up. In terms of my three-dimensional art, I like to think that it has a much deeper meaning. For example, my Etheral Tea Set touches on our [human] relationship between nature. It reflects how the current environment is changing us.

Q: What kind of impact would you like your art to have on people?

I wish people valued art and design more. I know that it has a stereotype or this idea that art is a luxury not a necessity, but art is used everywhere from everyday objects to games, addressing social statements to preserving history and culture. There is also this issue of exploiting A.I. or stereotype of people not wanting to pay real artists. I hope that I can educate and bring the value of art back to society. Maybe it’s because of social media but I see a lack of creativity in society today because everyone wants to follow a trend, to be a certain way.

Q: What motivates you to create your art?

I typically get inspired when I see other artists and their work; whether its Pinterest, museum, or even watching movies. Going out to local cafés and working also helps me stay productive. But if I put my mind to it, I can find motivation within myself even at home. The process of making the art and seeing the end product is the rewarding factor and that in turn motivates me to create more art.